Calculators
Landscaping calculators
Soil, mulch, gravel and pavers are all sold by volume or weight, and delivery fees mean you want to order once and order right. These calculators turn an area and a depth into cubic metres, tonnes, bag counts and paver quantities with sensible waste allowances built in.
Each calculator knows the densities of common Australian landscaping materials, so you can order by cubic metre or by tonne, whichever way your local supplier quotes.
Landscaping material prices in Australia
Bulk material costs in July 2026
Garden soil and topsoil typically cost $55 to $90 per cubic metre delivered in metro areas, with premium veggie mixes at the top of the range. Mulch runs $45 to $85 per cubic metre depending on type, with coarse hardwood chip cheapest and fine decorative barks dearest.
Gravel and crushed rock cost $60 to $110 per cubic metre delivered. Plain road base sits at the bottom of that range while decorative pebbles and speciality stones sit at or above the top. Pavers are usually quoted per square metre instead: common concrete pavers run $30 to $80 per square metre supply only.
Delivery is the hidden variable. A typical tipper delivery costs $50 to $120 depending on distance, and many suppliers fold it into a minimum order. Combining materials into one delivery saves real money on small jobs.
Bags versus bulk
Bagged product from the hardware store costs two to three times more per cubic metre than bulk, but has no delivery fee and no leftover pile on the driveway. The breakeven is usually around half a cubic metre: below it buy bags, above it order bulk. Every calculator here does that comparison for your exact quantity.
Ordering the right amount
Measure the area, choose the recommended depth for the material and add 10 percent for settling: the calculators handle all of this. If you are between quantities, round up. Running 0.2 cubic metres short costs a whole new delivery fee, while a small surplus always finds a home in the garden.
Typical Australian prices, updated July 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert cubic metres to tonnes?
Multiply by the material density: about 1.25 for garden soil, 1.6 for crushed rock, 1.7 for road base, and only 0.35 to 0.5 for mulch. Each calculator does the conversion for its material automatically.
How much does a trailer hold?
A standard 6×4 box trailer holds about 0.7 cubic metres level filled, but its 750kg rating limits you to about half a cube of soil or gravel. Mulch is light enough to fill it fully.
What depth should each material be?
As a rule: soil 100mm for new beds, mulch 75mm, decorative gravel 50mm and compacted road base 100mm under paving. The calculators use these as defaults and let you adjust.
Is it cheaper to buy landscaping materials in bulk?
Beyond about half a cubic metre, clearly yes. Bulk prices per cubic metre are typically a third to a half of the equivalent in bags, and one delivery fee spreads across the whole order.
Ready to get this job done?
Tell us about your project and hear from up to 3 local pros within 1 business day. Free and no obligation.